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Earthworms: Thatch-Busters

by Lee Townsend and Dan Potter (Entomology), and A. J. Powell (Agronomy)University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

Earthworms, called the "intestines of the earth" by Aristotle, are very important soil organisms that aid in the decomposition of plant litter, such as the thatch layer, and in recycling of nutrients. They help to break down and condition plant remnants in their gut. Their tunnels in the soil help oxygen and water to enter the soil more easily and their castings (waste) enrich it.

Earthworms may be viewed as pests because their burrows and castings create a roughened surface. Also, since earthworms are a preferred food for moles, pesticides are sometimes applied in an effort to remove food so that the moles will go elsewhere. There is no scientific evidence that elimination of earthworms will reduce problems with moles. Earthworms make significant contributions to a fertile, healthy soil. Attempts to control them to reduce surface disruption can have severe consequences, especially in thatch build up.

Thatch is a layer of living and dead roots, stems, and organic matter that accumulates at the soil surface. Thatch accumulates when the rate of decomposition is much lower than the rate of grass growth. Use of certain fertilizers or pesticides may encourage an accumulation of thatch by increasing turf growth and/or killing beneficial organisms, such as earthworms. Excessive thatch reduces penetration of water and other materials, such as fertilizer. It also encourages shallow grass roots which makes turf more susceptible to stress and pests. A heavy build up of thatch can require expensive dethatching. Earthworms break apart the thatch and pull organic matter into the soil. They also mix large amounts of soil into the thatch layer. This aids in a more rapid breakdown of the layer by increasing microbial activity and enhances its properties for growth of turfgrass.

Earthworms are generally found in the top 12" to 18" of the soil because this is where food is most abundant. The worm ingests soil and organic matter which is swallowed and ground in the gizzard. The ejected material, castings, are used to line the burrow or are deposited at the entrance. Earthworm activity depends directly on soil moisture and temperature. They become active when soil thaws in the spring and move deeper in late summer as the soil dries.

Pesticides and Earthworms

Pesticides applied to control turf diseases or insect pests may severely affect earthworms. This can be avoided by accurately identifying and assessing problems and, if a treatment is necessary, selecting products that have the least detrimental effect. Products commonly used on turf areas vary greatly in their toxicity to earthworms. Some pesticides can cause severe and long term reductions in earthworm numbers. Most of the common earthworm species in Kentucky grow slowly, live for several years, and have low reproductive rates. Consequently, repopulation of poisoned soil is slow. Preservation of earthworms is important where thatch is a problem.

Apply pesticides only when needed; eliminate preventive applications, especially in the spring when earthworms are near the soil surface

Select products that are least injurious to earthworms and do not exceed labeled rates.

If possible, treat only infested areas

Other Factors

Excessive nitrogen applications that greatly reduce soil and thatch ph can be detrimental to earthworms. Earthworms are generally intolerant of acidic soils (pH less than 6.0). Soil samples can determine fertility needs and allow management decisions that will help to maintain healthy turf and beneficial organisms.

Revised: 2/07

CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.

Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE!